"Lord, how wonderful!" - I shout with all my strength, standing on the bank of a river in autumn ...

I have always loved nature, being outdoors, travel and, of course, fishing! If I have any free time, I spend it near a river. Fishing, that's a rod and reel, and a boat on a river.

Different locations, different scenery, the excitement when there's a bite, the delight of the catch ...  Sometimes I think, "Why go to all this trouble? Isn't it easier to enjoy the comforts of home and get the fish from a store? And really, isn't this all a waste of time?" Why is my heart bursting with joy, and my lungs with air that I'm trying to draw into every cell in my body? The gray mist and rain of autumn, the summer sun, the awakening of spring - all this inspires one emotion and I say, "Lord, how wonderful!"

I look at my hands - carrying, giving, holding, doing, and at my feet - walking and running, ears - hearing, eyes - seeing, and I say to God, "Thank you". Just a collection of matter, molecules and atoms - how can the "clay" see and think? where does this very question come from? Thank you that you made me this way! I can feel, smell and touch, walk on the ground You created and enjoy Your work! I can live! 

For me fishing brings a special closeness to nature! Being on the bank of a river or lake, being in a forest - will not leave anyone unaffected. As individuals we are different, but our differences fall away when we come into contact with Creation, even though it has sometimes been spoiled by man! The source of joy becomes clear, and the doubt about whether this is a waste of time disappears when you realize that all this was created for us! And you begin to realize the greatness of God as Creator and Artist! And you realize what an offense it is, not to notice, to pass by what has been lovingly created for us, just because you are too busy!

I like to look at the water, calm and quiet, or fast and raging! In the July heat to put my hand into the clear water and feel how the river caresses it with its current! To close my eyes, hearing the sounds and listen, listen, listen ... At such moments, I whisper: "Lord, how wonderful!"

Andrey Churkin

Another photo from my album here